ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > September > 08
Monday, September 8, 2008
Being nickeled and dimed by your co-workers?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So you are keeping up with surging gas prices, plummeting home values and worsening unemployment rates, but your co-workers are already bringing in their children’s gift wrap catalogues. What is appropriate? Is it optional? OF COURSE IT IS OPTIONAL. Half of your answer is in how it is delivered. What if you don’t buy from your boss’s daughter’s class, does that automatically put you on the bad side of your boss? It is a difficult position to be hit up by co-workers and even more so when it is your boss to spend your hard earned money to support a High School or Girl Scout troop. We have all been sucked in a time or two, but what is the best strategy to support your friend without getting a second job to afford it? I think the answer is simple, you do not have the money and you support the Girl Scouts or the area schools in other ways. It is important to be professional and reject the newest offer with style.
Coworker plea: “Will you buy gift wrap?”
Your answer: “No, I buy gift wrap after each Christmas to save money.” This will let them know that you are cost-conscious.
Coworker insists: “This gift-wrap is so much better than the store-bought kind.”
Your answer: “It may be the best gift-wrap, but my budget doesn’t allow for these purchases without discussing these choices with the family. Maybe next year.”
The tough one: Girl Scout Cookies
How you should respond: How about you are watching your weight (or otherwise trying to improve your health) and you are not purchasing any cookies at this time. You cannot control yourself with Thin Mints, so you can’t buy them.
No matter the question, you should be nice and professional and explain that it is not in your budget. Most people respect that. It is not a good time to spend carelessly and most people will respect that decision.
Have you had to deal with co-workers who are constantly trying to help their kids sell stuff? How did you get out of it?
